DMK urges Centre to set up Mekedatu tribunal and ensure Cauvery water release

The DMK has urged the Centre to constitute a dedicated tribunal to resolve the Mekedatu dam dispute and ensure Karnataka releases Tamil Nadu's share of Cauvery water. The party also resolved to raise the issue strongly during the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament

Chennai: The DMK has demanded that the Centre immediately constitute a dedicated tribunal to resolve the Mekedatu dam dispute and ensure that Karnataka releases Tamil Nadu’s rightful share of Cauvery water without any further delay.

A resolution to this effect was passed during a meeting of DMK Members of Parliament on Thursday, chaired virtually by party president M K Stalin, ahead of the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament.

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The meeting expressed deep concern over the severe impact on Tamil Nadu’s farming community due to the non-opening of the Mettur Dam on its customary date of June 12.

The party strongly condemned the Karnataka government for refusing to release water since January 2024 in violation of the final verdict of the Supreme Court and for maintaining a stubborn stance before the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC).

The resolution highlighted the party’s consistent efforts to thwart Karnataka’s attempts to construct the Mekedatu dam, noting that the previous DMK government had successfully stopped the discussion on Karnataka’s Detailed Project Report (DPR) at the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) and ensured the removal of environmental clearance applications from the Union Ministry’s agenda.

Drawing a parallel with former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi’s efforts to secure the original Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal, the resolution emphasised that a similar tribunal is now essential to permanently address the Mekedatu issue.

The party also hailed the passage of an official resolution in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, where Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin, acting on the party president’s directives, proposed an amendment seeking a tribunal for the Mekedatu issue. DMK MPs have been directed to strongly raise this demand in the upcoming Monsoon Session and press the Centre to ensure the release of water.

In a second resolution, the DMK affirmed that its parliamentary delegation will continue to serve as the steadfast voice of the people of Tamil Nadu in both Houses of Parliament. The party pledged to strongly oppose any new central legislation that infringes on state autonomy, alters the federal structure or dilutes constitutional values.

Following the meeting, Stalin shared a statement on social media, reiterating the party’s instructions to its lawmakers.

“DMK MPs will raise their voices strongly against the Mekedatu dam construction attempts and protect Tamil Nadu’s legitimate rights over the Cauvery river,” Stalin said.

The former Chief Minister said the DMK’s stance on any proposed central legislation would remain firmly rooted in protecting state rights and safeguarding the Constitution, promising that “every DMK MP will act as the conscience of the people of Tamil Nadu.”